George Washington Flowers 


Memorial Collection 


DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 


ESTABLISHED BY THE 
FAMILY OF 


COLONEL FLOWERS 


— = A BRIEF ACCOUNT 
he F LOSS - 4, 


OF THE 
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE, 
APPOINTED BY THE 
YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, 
HELD IN BALTIMORE, 

FOR PROMOTING THE 
IMPROVEMENT AND CIVILIZATION 


OF THE 


INDIAN NATIVES, 


BALTIMORE...PRINTED BY COLE & HEWES, 
N. CHARLES-STREET,,,1805. 


greet Rai 4, 
‘MINUTES OF THE YEARL 
HELD IN BALTIMORE, 10th Mo. 1805.piy, S, 


i A 66.116 


EIB. 
A report from our committee on Indian con« i 


4 


cerns was produced, which being read and consi= 
dered, much satisfaction with their proceedings 
was expressed, inasmuch as et very evidently ap- 
pears that considerable benefits to our red brethren ‘ | 
have already resulted, since the care of the Year=_ j 
ly Meeting towards them. The committee were ; 
encouraged to continue such exertions in the fae 4 
secution. of this important concern as may be mn 

their power to extend ; they were also left at l= — 
berty to have printed for the more general Ae i 


formation of Friends, as many coptes of their re- 4 


et 


port, connected with a narrative of their previous — 


ne 


proceedings, as they apprehend may be usefully kK 


distributed amongst our members. 


444834 


chupeeel p 
a & dy 


A DRIED ACCOUNL Ho aes Cee a 


OF THE 


PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE, 


APPOINTED BY THE 
YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, 
HELD IN BALTIMORE, 


‘or promoting the Improvement and. Civilization 
of the Indian Natives. 


A weighty concern having been opened in 
he year 1795 in our Yearly Meeting, re~ 
pecting the difficulties and distresses to wich 
he Indian natives of this land were subject, 
- obtained the serious attention of Friends, 
nd many observations were made, relative 
9 the kindness of their ancestors to ours in 
he early settlement of this country, excit- 
ag to a deep consideration and enquiry , whe-~ 
her under the influence of that exalted be- 
evolence and good will to men, which our 
oly profession inculcates, there was not 
omething for us, as a society, to do for them 


444834 


ee ee 
tee re 


be te lt i. od ee ae Re ie ef! 
a J a nH is vae. 
¥ 7 x ae - 
F’. : - “ A aN 
, 


towards promoting their religious instructi 
knowledge of agriculture, and useful mec 
nic arts? 


A solemnity prevailing, the sentiments « 
many were expressed, evidencing a near sy1r 
pathy with them ; the meeting therefore unit 
ed in recommending to our Quarterly an 
Monthly Meetings, to open subscriptior 
amongst our members for their relief, an 
appointed a committee, to pay such attentio 
to the interesting concern, as they might k 
enabled to render. 


The committee, after having fully cons 
dered the subject of their appointment, cor 
cluded as the most effectual way of obtair 
ing correct information of the situation an 
disposition of the Indians, to appoint a dé 
putation from amongst themselves, to vis 
the Shawaneese, Delawares, Wyandots, or suc 
other nations, north--vest of the river Ohi 
as they might find practicable. The Frienc 
who were nominated to this service, havin 
first obtained the approbation of  goverr 
ment, proceeded in the summer of 1796, ¢ 


ar as the forks of the Muskingum river, at — 
yhich place, they had been informed that a 
onsiderable number of Indians were collect- 
id; but upon their arrival there, they found 
‘l the chiefs, and most of the hunters, had 
lispersed. And it not appearing practica- 
ble to convene them in a suitable manner 
or a conference at that time, they returned 
vithout accomplishing the object of their vi- 
it; they however saw divers hunters and 
thers, who appeared to be well disposed to 
eceive the instruction and assistance, which 
"riends proposed to furnish them. 


The committee being still deficient in the 
lecessary information, to enable them to 
proceed with safety in so important an un- 
lertaking, one of their number offered, in 
he fall of this year, to undertake a visit to 
he Indians, for the purpose of obtaining a 
nore satisfactory knowledge respecting them; 
nd his proposal being approved, he was en- 
ouraged to proceed sherein as soon as might 
e practicable. Accordingly, in the spring 
f 1797, he, with two others of the com- 
nittee, who became concerned to unite with 


him, made them,a visit; in the cours 

which, having passed by a number of th 
hunting camps, and several of their town 
they had large opportunity of discoverir 
their situation, often exposed to the incl 
mency of the seasons, with a very prec: 
rious, and often a very scanty supply — 
food and cloathing, they suffered all the m 
series of extreme poverty, in a countr 
which, from its great fertility, would, wi 
but little cultivation, abundantly supply the 
with all the necessaries of life. ' 


These Friends had an opportunity wit 
some of the chiefs and hunters of tl 
Wyandot and Delaware nations, in whic 
they informed them of the concern-of Frien 
relative to them, and endeavoured to in 
press on their minds, the advantages the 
would derive, from permitting to be matrc 
duced amongst their people, a knowledge « 
agriculture, and some of the most useful m« 
chanic arts. |The Indians appeared to gis 
close attention to their communication, prc 
mised to lay the matter before their gran 
council, and inform us of their conclusio 


ress 
i 


a ee he-t — a 
os 3 ee eis 
pr: a ee ai 


“2 


ipon the subject.------No way opened, du- 
ring the year 1798, to proceed, in carry- ee. 
ing the concern of the Yearly Meeting into 
effect, except that the committee furnished 
a few implements of husbandry, and other 
assistance, to some Indian families, which 
were situated upon the branches of the ~ 
‘Tuskarawas river. 
‘ 

In the Second Month, 1799, the com- — 
suittee received a speech, and belt of . 
‘Wampum, from Tarhie, the principal chief 
of the Wyandot nation, delivered at De- ~ 
troit, in the Ninth Month preceding; of ~ 
which the following is an extract : 


r<* Brethren Quakers, 

«You remember that we once met at a 
‘certain place. When we had there met, 
‘a great many good things were said, and 


f 


«much friendship was professed between us. 


» * Brothers, 
You told us at that time, that you not — 

only took us by the hand; but that you “4 

“held a fast by the arm: that you then — 


ee es ase oe 


4. 


«that it was not a chain o aw ; but the t 
*< was a chain of precious metal, a chain | 
‘silver, that would never get rusty; 2 
*‘ that this chain, would bind us m brother 
affection forever. 


‘<< Brethren listen : 

*< We have often heard that you were 
‘900d and a faithful people, ever read 
** to do justice, and good to all men, withoul 
** distinction of colour ; therefore we love yo 
“the more sincerely, because of the good 
*<ness of your hearts, which has been talkec 
** of amongst our nations, long since. 


‘«¢ Brethren listen : 

“You have informed us, that you in: 
** tend to visit us ; yes, that even in our tent 
‘<and cabbins, you will take us by the hand 
“You, brethren, cannot admit a doubt 


‘but that we would be very happy to se 


** Brethren listen : . 
‘It is but proper to inform you at thi 
: - ° a ‘ i, a 


tit .e, that when you do come forward to 
see us, you will, no doubt, pass by my 
place of residence at San Dusky. I will 
then take you, not only by the hand, ~ 
but by the arm, and will conduct you ~ 
safely to the grand council fire of our great ~ 
SASTERETSEY, where all good things 
are transacted, and where nothing bad is ~ 
permitted to appear. When in the grand 
council of our Sasteretsey, we will then 
sit down together, in peace and friendship, 
jas brethren are accustomed to do, after a 
long absence; and remind each other, 
Fand talk of those things that were done 
‘ between our GOOD GRAND-FATHERS, when 
‘they first met upon our lands---upon this 
‘ creat island ! 


- <¢ Brethren, 
“« May the Great Spirit, the master of 
“light and life, so dispose the hearts and 
‘« minds of all our nations and people, that 


* the calamities of war may never more be 


‘* felt, or known by any of them! that our 
‘“ roads and paths may never more be stain- 
“ed with the blood of our young warriors ! 


re tet 


meg 


. 


_ After aconsideration, of the foregoing com 
munication, from the Wyandot Nation of In 
dians, the committee concluded to appoir 

a few Friends to make them a visit, agreea 

_ bly to their request. These were directe 

_ to cultivate a friendly correspondence wit 
- them, and afford them such assistance < 
ee they might be enabled to render. ‘They ac 

_ cordingly proceeded in the visit, with an in 

' tention of being at their General Council 

- and after passing through several of the 
ve towns, arrived on the third of the sixt 
month at upper San Dusky, the princip: 

a village of the Wandots, where they were re 

f Peived in a friendly manner, by Tarhie, (t 

a Crane) and others of that nation. 


Upon conferring with these Indians; it 
_ found, that a mistake had been made 
_ the translation of the speech, which t 
had sent to Friends, respectmg the time 
opening their great Council, to which Friey 
_ had been invited. They now inform 


fod 
Wey ie 7 
ia 


pier as aret e & Ge ED 


hat it began annually at the full moon, in 
he Sixth month. Finding it would be diffi- 
ult to procure food for themselves and hors- 
s there until that time, the committe con- 
Juded it was best, under their present cir- 
umstances, to propose to Tarhie, a confer- 
nce with him and the other chiefs, who 
vere then at and in the neighbourhood of 
Jan Dusky ; which was accordingly agreed 
o; and at the time appointed, they met 
lim and several other chiefs, together 
vith a number of their hunters, at his 
ywn house; when they had a full opportu- 
uty with them on the subject of their vi- 
it. 


Their communication appeared to be receiy= ~ 


d with great satisfaction by the Indians, 
md in their answer, delivered on some strings 
f Wampum, they expressed the gratitude 
hey felt, for the care and friendship which 
heir beloved brethren, the Quakers, had al- 
yays manifested for the Indians, and promis- 
d, as soon as the grand Council mel, that 
ney would communicate fully to it, the 
oncern which our society felt for their im- 


——s 


Whilst these Friends were at San Dusky, 
and other villages, their minds were often 
_ deeply affected, under the sorrowful consider- 
_ ation, of the baneful effects of spirituous li- 
_ quors upon the Indians, they being at that 
_ time supplied with it in almost every village, 
: by Canadian traders, residing amongst them : 
and they were confirmed in the opinion, 
_ that unless these traders could be restrained, 
from furnishing them with this, structive 
article, in exchange for their skins and furrs, 
they would not easily be persuaded, to turn 
_their minds towards agriculture and the use- 
ful arts. Notwithstanding which discourage- 
“ment, the great affection they have for our 
"society, manifested on all occasions whilst 
_ the committee were amongst them, induc- 
" ed them to hope, that Frieue would endea- 
vour to keep under the weight of the con- 
cern, and be prepared to proceed in the 
_ benevolent work, whenever way might opet 
_ for further service amongst them. 


ee ee 


vee 


wee Se 
=, 


ris 


There was not any communication be- 
ween the committee and the Indians, cur- 
ig the year 1800. In the spring of 180i, 
hey addressed a letter to them, which was 
srwarded to San Dusky ; but the person to 
those care it was directed, and who was re- 
uested to communicate it to their council 
1 the Sixth Month, not being at home, it 
ras returned to the committee. 


In the Sixth Mo. 1802, the Little Turtle, 
‘ive Medals, and several other primecipal 
hiefs, of the Mzamze and Pottowattomie nations 
f Indians, passed through Baltimore, on their 
yay to visit the President of the United 
‘tates ; at which time, the committee took 
he opportunity of holding a conference with 
hem ; in which the concern of Friends was 
lly opened ; when they informed them, of 
he great discouragement, Friends had met 
mth, in carrying their views into effect, 
rom the intemperate and destructive use of 
pirituous liquors amongst the Indians, which 
vas found to be the greatest obstacle in the 
ay of their profiting by the aid, Friends 
ad been desirous of giving them. 


_ cation, on the subject of the Ppeductic 

_ ardent spirits into their country, in whic! 
_ its baneful and pernicious effects, were strong 
_ ly pointed out. The Little Turtle in reply 
_ made a very pathetic and impressive speec! 
. upon this subject, from which the followin 
is extracted : | 


% 
bo) 


‘< Brothers and Friends : | 
“When our forefathers first met on thi 


“island, your red brethren were very nu 
' **merous. But since the introduction a 


*“mongst us, of what you call spirituou 
‘liquors, and what we think may justly b: 


q *‘called Porson,’ our numbers are greatly 
' “diminished. It has destroyed a vaneot par 


*of your red brethren. 


«My Theme and Friends : 

** We plainly perceive, that you see th 
“very evil which destroys your red br , 
“thren; it is not an evil of our own “id 
‘king; we have not placed it amongst our 
«selves ; it is an evil ie ane us” b 


Vea 

move it out of our country. We tell them, 
‘brethren, fetch us useful things; bring 
‘goods, that will clothe us, our women, 
«and our children ; and not this evil liquor, 
‘that destroys our reason, that destroys 
“our health, that destroys our lives. But 
‘all we can say on this subject, is of no ser- 
‘vice, nor gives relief’ to your red breth- 
‘ren. | 


‘ My Brothers and Friends, 

| **T rejoice to find, that you agree in opi- 
‘‘nion with us, and express an anxiety to 
ke be, if possible, of service to us, in removing: 
if this great evil out of our country 5 an evil 
‘© which has had so muck room in it, and 
«has destroyed so many of our lives, that 
*< it causes our young men to say, “ we had 
“better be at war with the white people; 
this liquor, which they introduce into 
«“ our country, is more to be feared than the 
*“ gun and the tomahawk. There are more 
‘cof us dead since the treaty of Grenville, 
“‘ than we lost by the six years war before. 
“It is all owing to the introduction of this 
«liquor amongst us,” 


** Brothers, . 

«When our young men have been out 
* hunting, and are returning home ‘loade 
‘with skins and furs; on their way, if 
‘happens that they come along where some 
ted this whiskey is deposited, the white man 

‘who sells it, tells them to take a: little 
“drink ; some of them will say no, I do 
**not want it; they go on till they come, to 
“another house, where they find more of 
‘the same kind of drink; it is there offer- 
“ed again; they refuse; and again the 
* third time; but finally, the fourth or fifth 
“* time, one accepts of it, and takes a drink ; 
‘‘and getting one, he wants another; and 


then a third, and fourth, till his senses 


‘have left him, After his reason comes 
** back again to him; when he gets up, and 
‘finds where he is, he asks for his pene y: 
*‘'The answer is, * you have drank them.” 


Where is my gun? ** It is gone.” Where 


‘fis my blanket? “It is gone.” Where is 
‘‘my shirt? <‘* You have sold it for whis- 
*key!!? Now, Brothers, figure to your- 
«selves what condition this man must be in. 
‘* He has a family at home ; a wife and chil- 


ai ¥ Mt 
Per lad cia. 


oe a Os eB eee al tk 6” allan — 


19 


- 


dren, who stand in need of the profits. of 
his hunting. What must be their wants, 
when he himself is even without a shirt !” 


| These chiefs appeared to be much re 
iced at the assistance Friends proposed to 
nder them ; and in reply to that part of 
r communication, observed, “ That it 
was their anxious wish, to engage in the 
culture of their lands; for although the 
game was not so scarce, but that they 
could get enough to eat, yet they were 
sensible it was daily diminishing, and that 
the time was not far distant, when they 
would be compelléd to take hold of such 
tools as they saw in the hands of the 
‘ white people.” 


The committee, ona weighty considere= 
ion of the subject, being from their former 
Xperience united in judgment, that no 
reat progress could be made in the civiliza- 
jon of the Indians, while they were so a- 
uundantly supplied with distilled spirits, 
oneladed' to address congress on the sub- 
ect. Their memorial was favourably re 


20 


ceived, and a law passed, which in som 
measure provided a remedy for the evil. 


As it now appeared to the committee 
that the principal obstruction to the intro- 
duction of agriculture amongst the Indian 
was removed, they felt themselves encou 
raged to proceed in their undertaking; an 
accordingly provided a considerable numbe 
of implements of husbandry ; such as Ploughs 
Hoes, Axes, &c. &c. which were forwardec 
to Fort Wayne, where they were imme 
diately distributed, as a present from the 


society of Friends, and thankfully receive 
by the Indians. 


A letter was received in the summer o 
1803, from the agent for Indian affairs, a 
Fort Wayne, im which he says:— 


‘“‘Since there have been no _ spirituou 
“liquors in the Indian country, they appea 
‘very industrious, and are fond of raisin 
“stock.” - He also expressed, as his opinior 
“that the suppression of spirituous liquors i 
“that country, is the most beneficial thin 


deeb ate Ley 
** which has ever been done for them by the. 
‘¢ United States---that- there had not been 

one Indian killed in that neighbourhood 

‘for a year, and that in no preceding year, 

‘ since the treaty of Grenville, had there 

* been less than ten, and in some years as 

« many as thirty, killed.” The agent further 
added, ‘‘that the Indians appeared to be 
F‘ very desirous of procuring for themselves 
‘< the necessaries of life, zx our way ; but say 
‘« they do not know how to begin. Some of 
‘their old men say, ‘‘the white people 
‘want for nothing. We wish them to shew 
‘us how to provide the many good things. 
*“we see amongst them. If it is their wish 
tounstruct usin their way of living, as 
*< they tell us it is, we wish them to make 
“chaste and do it, for we are old, and must 
‘die soon ; but we wish to see our women 
‘and children in that path, that will lead . 
** them to happiness before we die.” 


_-At the same time a letter was received 
from the Little Turtle and Five Medals, in- 
which they expressed a wish, that some of 
the committee would visit their country ; 


which being considered, the committee ap- 
pointed a deputation for that purpose, whe 
were authorised to take one or more suitable 
persons with them, to reside amongst the 
Indians, for the purpose of teaching them 
agriculture, and other useful knowledge, as 
far as such an establishment should pee 
practicable. 


In the Second Month, 1804, two of the 
deputation proceeded to Fort Wayne, ac- 
companied by Puirre Dennis, who had 
offered his services to go with them, to re- 
main with the Indians during the summer, 
for the purpose of instructing them im hus- 
bandry; taking with him two horses, to be 
employed in ploughing, &c. 


They arrived at Fort Wayne the last of 
the Third Month, and soon after convened 
several of their principal chiefs; m a council 
with whom, a future day was fixed upon for 
the committee to meet them, together with 
as many of their old men, their young men, 
and their women and children, as could be as- 
sembied: the attendance of the latter was 


: 


2s ie 

articularly requested by our deputation ; 
nd these chiefs having previously requested, 
at whatever matter Friends might have 
) communicate to the Indians should be — 
ritten, in order that they might lay it be- 
re the Granp Councin, in the Sixth Mo." 
llowing, to the attendance of which they 
ry pressingly invited the committee ; on 
1e day appointed, being met by a considera- 
e number of the natives, the following 
ritten address was read and interpreted to 
lem : 


‘¢ Brothers and Friends, 


“ When we were together, eight days ago, 
ith the Little Turtle and the Five Medals, 
e letter was read to them which has just 
ren read. That letter, you observe, says, 
at we were appointed by the people called 
kers, of Baltimore, to visit you, and 
take you by the hand on their behalf, de- 
ing that you would receive any communi- 
ions from us, as coming immediately from 
m. 


** Brothers, 

«« After that letter was read, our bide 
were filled with so much love for our re 
brethren, that on looking over and con 
sidering the business upon which we ha 
come, we felt a desire to see as many of yo 
together as could be convened—and this da 
was then agreed upon for us to meet you. 


‘¢ Brothers, 

‘“‘ We believed, that the things we had t 
say, were of great importance to our re 
brethren—and therefore it was, that we re« 
quested to see you together—that you a 
might have an opportunity of hearing whe 
we have to say. 


*¢ Brothers, 

“Our hearts are filled with thankfulne 
to the Great Spirit, that HE has brought 1 
safely to the country of our red brethrei 
and protected us through our journey. W 
also rejoice that he has given us this oppo: 
tunity of seeing you, and of taking you kt 
the hand, , 


** Brothers, . 

“It is now a little more than two years, 
ince your brothers of Baltimore had an op- 
ortunity of becoming acquainted with the 
five Medals, the Little Turtle, Tuthinipee, 
md some other chiefs. ‘They were glad of 
hat opportunity of having a Talk with 
hem, and of enquiring after the situation 
if their Red brethren. 


_ © Brothers, 

_“ We had for some time entertained ap- 
yrehensions, that the many changes, which 
vere taking place in circumstances, must 
rreatly change the situation of our Red bre- 
hren—and that the time was fast approach- 
ng, in which it would be necessary for them 
0 alter their mode of living. 


_ © Brothers, 

*< After our talk with the chiefs whom we 
vave just mentioned, we were fully convin- 
ced, that the time was’come, in which our 
Red brethren ought to begin to cultivate 
heir lands. That they ought to raise 
orn, and other grain, also, horses, cows 


he 


sheep, hogs, and other animals. We th 

proposed to afford them some assistance. 
They appeared to be glad of the proposal, 
and informed us---that many of their peo- 
ple were disposed to turn their attention to 
the cultivation of the earth. ‘They also ex- 
pressed a desire, to be assisted by their bro- 


thers of Baltimore. 


** Brothers, 

“« Having been encouraged by the oppor- 
tunity which we then had, we sent to the 
care of the agent for Indian affairs, som 
ploughs, harness for horses, axes, hoes, anc 
other implements of husbandry, which wer 
made for the use of our Red brethren, anc 
desired that they might be distributed a, 
mongst them, as tokens of our friendship. 


‘* Brothers, 

*“We received last fall, through th 
hands of the agent for Indian’ affairs, : 
talk, from the Littl Turtle, the Fiv 
Medals, and others, informing us, tha 
they had received the implements of hus 
bandry, and requested, that their brother 
of Baltimore would send some of their peo 


I ae et 


lor the purpose of seeing their situation, 
Ind shewing them how to make use: of the 
jools ; saying, they did not know how. to 


| ** Brothers, | 

| It is for these purposes, that we have 
how come; and we again repeat, that we 
ejoice we have this opportunity of seeing _ 
fou, and of taking you by the hand. 


«« Brothers, wes 
| In coming into the country of our Red. 
prethren, we have come with our eyes open. 
And although we are afiected with sorrow, 
1 believing, that many of the Red people 
uffer much, for the want of food, and 
or the want of clothing; yet our hearts 
ws been made glad, in seeing, that it has 
leased the Great Spirit, to give you a 
ich and valuable country. Because we 
now, that it is out of the earth, that food 
nd clothing come. We are sure, brothers, 
hat with but little labour and attention, 
fou may raise much more corn, and other 


- grain, than will be necessary for yourselves 
your women, and children, and may also 
with great ease, raise many more horses 
cows, sheep, hogs, and other valuable ani. 
mals, than will be necessary for your owt 
use. We are also confident, that if yor 
will pursue our method, in the cultivatior 
of your land, you will live in much greate 
ease and plenty, and with much less fa. 
tigue and toil, than attend hunting for : 
subsistence. ; 


*«« Brothers, 

__ “© We are fully conven that if you will 
adopt our mode of cultivating the earth 
and of raising useful animals, you wil 
find it to be a mode of living not only fa 
more plentiful and much less fatiguing ; bu 
also much more certain, and which wil 
expose your bodies less, to the inclemencie 
of the weather, than is now attendant upot 
hunting. It will lead you, brothers, to hav 
fixed homes. You will build comfortabl 
dwelling houses, for yourselves, your womier 
and children, where you may be sheltere 
“from the rain, from the frost, and from ‘the 


show=-and there you may enjoy in plenty 
| he rewards of your asia 


ff iaihicra, 
**In laying these things before you, we 
have no other motive, than a desire of heart, 
for the improvement, the benefit, and the 
welfare of our Red brethren—and_ therefore 
it is, that we speak with freedom, and we 
hope that what we have to say, will go in at 
lone ear, and not come out at the other; but 
that it will be remembered by our Red bre- 
thren. For we know, brothers, that we 
shall not be ashamed of what we say, when 
in time to come, you compare the things 
Wwe are saying to you, with your experience 
nM practising them. 


«« Brothers, 

““We will here mention, that the time 
| yas, when the forefathers of your brothers, 
the white people, lived beyond the great- 
water, in the same manner, that our Red 
brethren, now live. The winters can yet be 
counted, when they went almost naked, 
when they procured their living by fishing; 


_and by the bow and arrow, in ai aeap oor 
“when they lived in houses no better than 


-yours. ‘They. were encouraged, by some, 


who came from towards the sun-rising, and 
lived amongst them, to change their mode of 
living. They did change—they cultivated 
the earth ; and we are sure the change was a 


_ happy one. 


‘* Brothers and Friends; ) 
«« We are not ashamed to acknowledge, 


that the time was, when our forefathers re- 


joiced, at finding a wild plumb-tree, or at 
killing a little game, and that they wandered 
up and down, living on the uncertain sup- 


__ plies of fishing and hunting. But, brothers, 


i, - 


for your encouragement, we now mention, 


_ that by turning their attention to the cultiva- 
_ tion of the earth, instead of the plumb-tree, 


they soon had orchards, of many kinds of 
good fruit—instead of the wild game, they 
soon had large numbers of cattle, horses; 


sheep, hogs, and of other valuable animals— 


and in many places, instead of their forests, 
they had large fields of corn and of other 


Fn of tt oo ae t a iw. ¢? P. 


ee trae, wee 


31 


srain, as also of. many other valuable pro- | 
ductions of the earth. 


«« Brothers, 

*«“We hope your eyes will be open, to see 
clearly, the things which are best for you ; 
and that you will desire to pursue them. — 
We believe brothers, that it is in the heart — 
of your father, the President of the United 
States, to assist his Red children, in the culti- 
vation of the earth, and to render them ser- 
vices, which will be greatly for their benefit, 
md. welfare. We hope that your exertions 
0 change your present mode of living, will 
de so plain to him, that he will see Weel 
"his will encourage him, to continue to aid 
ou, in your endeavours. 


«¢ Brothers, 

*“ We have spoken plainly; we desire to 
speak plain. We will now tell you, that we 
nave not come merely to ta/k with you. We 
lave come prepared to render you a litte as- 
istance. Our beloved brother, Puttre DEN- 
tis, who is now present, has come along with 
1s. His desire is to cultivate for you, a field 


_ of corn—Also to shew you how to raise some 
of the other productions of the earth. He 
knows how to use the plough, the hoe, the 
axe, and other implements of husbandry. 


«© Brothers, : 

** We will here ask yousnieel you stil de- 
sirous to be instructed by us, in the cultiva- 
tion of your lands? If you say, you are ; 
our brother whom we have just mentioned, 
_ will continue with you, during the sum 
mer. We shall leave it to you, to shew 
him the spot where to begin to work. 

«« Brothers, 

‘‘ He has left a farm—he has ‘left a. efits! 
and five small children, who are. very dear 
him—he has come, from a sincere desire to be 
useful to our Red brethren—His motives are 
pure—he will ask no reward from you, for 
lis services—his greatest reward will be, in 
the satisfaction he will feel, in finding you in- 
clined to take hold of the same. tools which 
he takes hold of—to receive from him, i- 
struction in the cultivation of your lands, 16 
_ to pursue the example he willset yous 


33 


| « Brothers, . 

“¢ We hope, you will make the situation 
f our brother,as comfortable as circumstan- 
es willadmit. We hope, also, that many- 
f your young men will be willing to be 
ught by him, to use the plough, the hoe, 
nd other implements of husbandry. For 
re are sure, brothers, that as you take hold 
f such tools, as are in the hands of the white 
people, you will find them to be to you, like 
aving additional hands. You will also find, 
at by using them, they will enable you to 
o many things, which, without them, can- 
ot be performed. 


~ 


Brothers, 
There is one thing more, which we wish 
add. The white people, in- order 


get their land cultivated, find it neces- 
ry, that their young men should be em- 
jloyed in it—and not their women. Women 
weless than men. They are not as strong as 
en. They are not as able to endure fatigue 
nd toilas men. It is the business-of our 
omen, to be employed in our houses—to 
eep them clean—to sew—knit—spin—and 


34 


weave—to dress food: for themselves and fa- 
milies—to make clothes. for the men and th 
rest of their families—to keep the clothing 
of their families clean, and:to take care of me 
children. 


- Brothers, 
We desire, not to mention too many things 
to you; but we must add a little further. 
We are fully convinced, that if you, will turn 
your attention,to, the cultivation of the earth 
—To raising the different. kinds of: grain—To 
erecting mills for grinding grain—To.build- 
ing comfortable dwelling houses, for your 
families—To raising useful animals ; amongst 
others, sheep, for the advantage of the wool, 
in making clothing—To raising flax and 
hemp, for your iinen—And your young wo- 
men learn to spin, and weave—that. your 
lives will be much easier, and happier, than 
at present—and that your numbers will in- 
erease, and not continue to diminish. As we 
before observed, brothers, yourland is good. 
It is far better than the land the white peo- 
ple-near the great. water, cultivate. Weare 
persuaded, that. your land- willyproduce dou 


35 


le the quantity of any kind of grain, or of 
ax, or hemp, with the same labour necessa- 
y near the great water. 


| Brothers & Friends, 

We shall now end what we have to say, 
vith informing you, that all the ‘corn, and 
ther productions of the earth, which 
Hittite DENNIS, may raise, we wish our 
ed brethren to accept of, asa token of 
ur friendship. And it is our desire, that the 
hiefs of the Pottawattamie and Miamie na- 
rions, who are now. present, added to our 
rothers, the Five Medals, Tuthinipee, and 
uinip Dennis, make such a distribution 
hereof, as they may think proper.” 


The Indians observed great decorum, and 
ave close attention during the delivery of 
his address. They respectfully manifested 
eir approbation of the sentiments it con- 
ined by reiterated exclamations of ap- 
| lause, and the most evident demonstrations 
f satisfaction. In reply, the Little Turtle 
delivered a speech on behalf of the council, 
rom which the following is extracted. 


36. 


*¢ Brothers and Friends, 
«We rejoice, that the Great Spirit has) 
appointed, that we should meet this day, 
for we believe, this meeting will be of th 
utmost consequence to your Red brethren. 


«© Brothers, 

*«< The things you have said to us, requir 
our greatest attention: it is really necessary, 
that we should deliberate upon them. In 
order to do so, we must beg you to leave the 
paper, upon which they are written, that we 
may communicate them to our chiefs, when 
they assemble in Grand Council. 


FF Brotitiy 
‘** You have been very particular in point- 
ing out to us, the duties of our women, and 
you have told us, that in adopting your 
mode of living, our numbers would increase, 
“and not continue to diminish. In all this, I 
certainly agree with you, and I hope my 
brother chiefs will ane agree with you. 
*¢ Brothers, . 
** Assure your people, who sent you here— 


Bf 


tell your old chiefs, that we are obliged to 
| them, for their friendly offers to assist us, 
/in changing our present mode of living— 
Tell them: it is a great work, that cannot be 
-done immediately ; but that we are that way 
disposed, and hope it will take eee ora- 
| dually.” 


| The committee remained several weeks 
| amongst the Indians, during which time, 
they visited a number of their towns and 
| villages, at all of which they were received 
in the most friendly.and hospitable manner. 


In the course of their journey, they pas- 
Sed by a settlement of the Wyandots, at 
- Brown’s Town, or the Rock. They found that 
the Indians,at this place, had, since the visit 
made by Friends, to their nation, in the year 
1799, advanced considerably in agriculture , 
many of them having built comfortable 
houses, and acquired a considerable number 
of cattle, hogs, and other domestic animals. 
And they were informed from good anthori- 
ty, that the MWyandots, residing at San 
Dusky, as well as the Shawancese, on the 


38 " 4 


4 


Auglaize river, had also since that visit, turned 
their attention very much towards the culti+ 
vation of their lands; they had therefore 
the satisfaction to remark, that the commu. 
nications from the committee to these na~ 
tions, and the exertions which had been made, — 
to turn their minds to agriculture, although 
we had not been in a situation to extend 
much assistance to them, have not been alto- 
gether unavailing. 


They also visited the place fixed upon for 
the settlement of Puizie Dewnis, on the 
Wabash river, about forty miles south-west 
of Fort-Wayne, and found ils situation to 
be very advantageous for farming; the soil 
appearing to be- equal in fertility, to any 
land in the western country ; to this place 
there are also two good mill-seats adjacent ; 
one on the Wabash, which may be improved 
without injuring its navigation, and the other 
on a stream which falls into that river, about 
haif a mile below. 


Soon after their return home, a letter was 
received by the committee, from the Indian 


39 


agent at Fort Wayne, informing, that the le 
dians had. held their council in. the Sixth. 
month, agreeably to expectation ; at which 
874 of them attended: ; “ when the written. 
address of Grores Exticotr and GERARD 
T. Hopkins, (who it appeared had been ap- 
pointed to. visit the Indians on behalf of the 
society of Friends;) was. produced, read and 
interpreted to all the different nations pre- 
sent.” In reply to which, divers of their 
chiefs expressed great satisfaction; and. 
amongst others Toethteboxie, on behalf of 
the Delawares, said “ for many years before 
** T came into the world, the white people have 
| “* been offering to.do-for us, what is now men- 
‘tioned, and it appears, that our eyes were ne- 
*< ver opend, until this time ;. we will now take 
‘‘hold of it, and receive it. I am an old: 
“man, and want to see it before I die; if I 
| ‘“<once see it, I will die-in peace, to think f} 
have left my women and children-in com= 
“tert.” 


On the return of the Friend, who went 
out with the committee, and remained in 
the Indian country, during most of the year 


40 Rg 


>, te A 
1804, he informed, that he spent the time a-" 
greeably with them, and was favored to enjoy. 
a good portion of health whilst there. He 
raised about 400 bushels of corn, besides a 
quantity of turnips, potatoes, cucumbers, ” 
water melons, pumpkins, beans, parsnips 
and other garden vegetables, which he di- 
rected to be divided amongst the Indians on_ 
their return from their hunting camps; and 
left with the family of Indians, with whom 
he resided, upon the farm he had cultivated, 
23 hogs and pigs, sevenof which were in good | 
order to kill, and he expected would weigh | 
fifteen hundred pounds ; these he engaged the 
agent to attend to the killing and salting of. 
They were small when brought to the farm in» 
the spring, and had no other food than what 
they gathered in the woods. : 


With some assistance, which he obtained. 
from Fort-Wayne, he cleared and enclosed. 
under a substantial fence, twenty acres of 
ground, and built a house, thirty-two feet 
long and seventeen feet wide, a story and a. 
half high, with floors and partition. _ 


’ 


; Al 


He further infor that the Indians who 
emained with him, were very industrious, 
and attended to his directions ; the young 
women wished to work in preparing the 
ground and in tending the corn; from 
this he dissuaded them: and as some spin- 
ing wheels had just arrived at Fort-Wayne, 
which had been sent on by government, he 
encouraged them to go there, and learn to 
pin and knit, of a white woman, who hap- 
pened to beat that place ; this they did, and 
oon learned both to spin and knit; and he 
le eft them knitting yarn of thetr own spinning; 
when he came away. 


- Healso informed, that a considerable num- 
ber of Eel River and Weas Indians were a- 
bout to settle near the place he cultivated ; 
and that previous to his departure, he was 
with several of their principal chiefs, who 
requested him to tell Friends, that they, and 
the Indians generally, were much obliged to 
them for the assistance they had given them, 
and hoped we would continue our friendship 
towards them, and that nothing might hap- 


, to discourage us. 
F . - 


a oa 


All the Indians he was amongst, were very 
friendly ; as was also the agent and other of- 


ficers of the government. 


_ As it appeared that the Indiaiss were: ont 
desirous of Friends, continuing their care to 
wards them, and of our sending a person t 
take the place of Pxaitir Dennas; -afte: 
weightily considering the subject, it was con: 
cluded to endeavour to procure a suitabl 
Friend for that purpose ; but none offerings 
to engage in the service, and the committe 
taking into consideration the low state @ 
their funds, and the advanced season of th 
year, together with the dissatisfied and un 
settled situation of the Indians at that time, o 
account of a sale of land made by some c 
the tribes to the United States,* thought i 
might, for the present season, be best t 
write to the agent, and request ‘him, t 
procure for us, the most suitable character 1 


| his power, who, under his direction, woul 
_~ plough the land, Puriie Dennis cultivate 
the last season, and plait it ‘in cofh: «i 


the performance of this, we hoped he wou 


* The uneasiness which this cireumstance occasioned — 
mongst the Indians has since been entirely removed. 


ae ee pa 


be assisted by the Indians. We also ob- 
seryed, that after their corn was planted, we — 
were willing to believe they would be able to 
manage it themselves; should. a second 
ploughing however be necessary, we direct- 
ed this also to be done. ‘This person was 
also desired to prepare for them a garden 
of the most useful vegetables, which they 
might afterwards easily manage. a 


The committee have since received his an- 
swer to this letter, in which he says, “ he 
will lose no time in complying with their 
request, and that he will at all times be 
ready to put the benevolent concern of 
Friends, towards the Indians, in execu- — 
tion.” He also says, “ that at this time, a 
Spirit of industry exists amongst the Indians 
generally ; and that, as several of the tribes, 
had requested of government, to have a part 
of their annuities expended in the employ- 
ment of men, to split rails, and make fences 
forthem ; the Delawares had. twenty-three 
thousand rails put up into fences, the last 
winter ; and that forty-thousand more would 
e made into fences for the Miamie and 


eee BOM ——— | Pa hr me | 


Eel River Indians, by the first of the Six 
Month.” He adds, “ that ten families 0: 
the Miamies have settled adjoining the place 
cultivated by Puixip Dennis, and that fou 
men were employed in making rails to fence 
in forty acres for them ; alle: that three 
persons more were at work for the Eel Rives 
Indians, a half a mile below Dennis’ sta- 
tion: that they had twenty-five acres clear- 
ed and ready for the plough, and he expect- 
ed would have fifty or sixty acres fenced ir 
by the first of the Sixth Mo.” He furthe: 
adds, ‘* that he expects at least twenty-five 
families of Indians will remove to reside at 
that place the present season, and he is con- 
fident the settlement will increase very a 
The Indian who worked during the last sea- 
son with Puitie Dennis, was about build- 
ing himself a comfortable house, had clear- 
ed two acres more of ground, and wa: 
ploughing the field previously cleared by 
Putte Dennis: the hogs which were left 
there with him, had increased to Ape hun- 
_ dred in number. ifn > 

LE 47 ripcrled 
The agent further informed, “ that oe 


il 


would be one hundred acres of land under, 
good fence, at the Little Turtle’s Town, 
| (eighteen miles. north of Dennis’s Station) 
| by the first of the Sixth Month, where they 
had also obtained a large number of hogs, 
and some cows, and he doubts not, but that 
the Indians will soon see, that it is easier to 
raise food, than to procure it by hunting,” 
and “adds, “Friends may see, from the 
great progress they have made in civilization, 
since Puinie Dennis was with them, that 
they only want good and_suitable men to 
reside amongst them, ntl Heh them how 
to work.”* 


* Since thisnarrative was prepared for publication, a letter has 
been received from the agent at Fort Wayne, dated the fifth of 
the Tenth month 1805,in which he says, ‘‘ agreeably to the di- 
rections of the committee, I have employed a man to assist the 
Indians in cultivating the field, on the Wabash, which wasclear- 
ed and cultivated by Puitie Dennis, last year; the Indians 
with this man’s assistance have raised, it is supposed, at 
least six hundred bushels of good corn, from this one field, ex- 

~ clusive of what they have raised from ground of their own 
clearing. | 
Many of the oldest of the Eel River and Weas Indians have 
‘removed and settled at that place, where they will be followed 
_ by the younger branches of their tribes in the ensuing spring.” 
He adds, “ believing as I do, that the society of Friends are 
desirous of ameliorating the situation of their Red Brethren in 
this country, I will take the liberty to observe, that the present 
_ is a very favourable time, to put in execution their benevolent 
| views, towards the -distressed natives of this land, and that 


Notwithstanding "ene are Peven oth othe 
nations, who appear desirous of the assistance 
and care of Friends ; yet. from the limited 
state of our funds, we have heretofore been 
under the necessity of confining our aid, 
principally, to the Miamie, Eel River and 
Weas Indians. it 


It will be: perceived, that during several 
years of the first labours of the committee, 
but little progress was made; this may be 
attributed, ina great measure, to the per- 
nicious effects of ardent. spirits amongst 
them. As soon as the introduction of 
this great evil into their country was re- 
strained, there was an immediate improve- 
ment. discoverable, and an almost universal) 
disposition seemed to pervade them, to a- 


much good may be done on the Wabash by’ sending one or 
two suitable men to reside amongst the Indians, and teach them 

how to raise steck, and cultivate the earth. Witness what 
Pritir Dennis effected amongst them the last year. Atasta- 

tion where he had everything to begin, there are now at least 

four hundred hogs and twenty cows, and the Indians at no vil- 

lage in this. country, live so'comfortably,asthose at that place. 

If this spirit of industry is kept alive for afew years, it mul 
certainly havea powerful influence upon the minds of the In- 

dians at many of the neigbouring villages. The Indians have 

lately concluded atreaty with the United States, which has set. 
tled all their jarring interests.” 


AT 


‘bandon their former habits of Jiving, and 
turn to the cultivation of their lands :—their 
progress in civilization has, since then, been 
much more rapid, than the most sanguine 
could have expected ; and on comparing the 
condition of these Indian tribes, at the time ~ 
the last deputation from our committee vi- 
sited them, with their present situation, we 
are of opinion, that there is great cause of 

encouragement for Friends to persevere in 

the benevolent work they have undertaken, 

‘and strong ground to hope, that our labours 

will, m the end, be crowned with the de- 

sired success. 

a 


f When we reflect on the gradual, but con- 
“tinued decrease of these people, from the 
'time the Europeans first visited this conti- 
nent, until the present, and the many whole 
“tribes, of which not any trace now ‘remains, 

except their names, there is every reason to 
_ believe, that should the Indians continue to 
| pursue their former mode of life, a few 
| centuries more, many other whole nations of 
_ them will become entirely extinct. 


a mind,. to survey the hastening ¢ of that 
is ow of the human rey. aned 


when thi 


3 ag ORE scalping knife shoe 
J plough and the hoe; and instead of ra 
q the forests in seeming affinity, to the ild 
" beasts of the desart, shall peacefully and ra- 
" tionally enjoy the productions of the fruitful 
; field !—Nor is. this ali, added to the cultiva- 
_ tion of the earth, the first step in the view 
q of the committee, towards many other im- 
; _ portant temporal advantages, to be derweg 
' to this people from civil life, may not 

) _ promotion of this concern, which has fais 
, far evidently prospered, prepare for, and prove 
_ the means under the DIVINE) BLESSING, 
q through which, may finally spread and pre- 
vail amongst these, our fellow men, that 
- Licut and KNOWLEDGE, Which so rein 


_ ly distinguish the true CurisTraNn? 
Signed on behalf of the committe on Indian conce 
¥ pointed by the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore. _ 
; PHILIP E. THO 
i : Baltimore, 11th Mo. 1805. 


Form 335—40M—6-40 


Hay.S. 266.196 FRLis 444834 


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